Patents by Inventor Raymond Hoheisel
Raymond Hoheisel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20240097613Abstract: A free-space optical power beaming device may be configured to receive a light beam from an external source. The device may include a plurality of photovoltaic elements configured to convert light to electrical energy; a plurality of electrical charge storage elements, and a light reflector element configured to reflect a light beam toward one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic elements. Each electrical charge storage element may be coupled with at least of one of the plurality of photovoltaic elements and configured to store electrical energy output from the at least one of the plurality of photovoltaic elements. In some aspects a set of the plurality of photovoltaic elements may be configured in a tilted manner. In other aspects the light reflector element may be steerable to reflect a light beam toward one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic elements to provide a desired time-averaged light intensity distribution.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Raymond Hoheisel, Andreas Heller
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Publication number: 20240088316Abstract: A photovoltaic receiver includes a string of photovoltaic cells that includes at least two photovoltaic cells, where the at least two photovoltaic cells are coupled to one another in series. The string of photovoltaic cells has rotational symmetry with respect to a reference point. The photovoltaic receiver further includes an energy storage element for a photovoltaic cell of the string of photovoltaic cells and being coupled to the photovoltaic cell of the string of photovoltaic cells in parallel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2020Publication date: March 14, 2024Inventors: Raymond HOHEISEL, David A. SCHEIMAN, Justin R. LORENTZEN, Woojun YOON
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Patent number: 11870390Abstract: A free-space optical power beaming device may be configured to receive a light beam from an external source. The device may include a plurality of photovoltaic elements configured to convert light to electrical energy; a plurality of electrical charge storage elements, and a light reflector element configured to reflect a light beam toward one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic elements. Each electrical charge storage element may be coupled with at least of one of the plurality of photovoltaic elements and configured to store electrical energy output from the at least one of the plurality of photovoltaic elements. In some aspects a set of the plurality of photovoltaic elements may be configured in a tilted manner. In other aspects the light reflector element may be steerable to reflect a light beam toward one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic elements to provide a desired time-averaged light intensity distribution.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2022Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Inventors: Raymond Hoheisel, Andreas Heller
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Patent number: 11709383Abstract: An integrated device comprising at least one photovoltaic element, at least one light modulating element, at least one light reflecting element and one or more electrical conductors coupled to the photovoltaic element and the light modulating element. An interrogating light beam can be pointed at the integrated device, and a modulated light beam is reflected back by the device in the direction of the interrogating light beam with the reflected light beam containing information/data being modulated by the device onto the reflected light beam.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2019Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Inventor: Raymond Hoheisel
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Publication number: 20230187962Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for optical to electrical energy conversion by a photovoltaic array under non-uniform illumination is provided. A photovoltaic array comprises photovoltaic elements, each being associated with at least one corresponding electrical charge storage element. First and second photovoltaic elements may be respectively connected to first and second electrical charge storage elements. The first photovoltaic element may charge the first electrical charge storage element to a first voltage, and the second photovoltaic element may charge the first electrical charge storage element to a second voltage. After determining that the first and second voltages are respectively within a defined range across the first and second electrical charge storage elements, the first and second electrical charge storage elements may be connected and the connected first and second electrical charge storage elements may be coupled to provide energy to an electrical load.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2022Publication date: June 15, 2023Inventor: Raymond Hoheisel
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Publication number: 20220247348Abstract: A free-space optical power beaming device may be configured to receive a light beam from an external source. The device may include a plurality of photovoltaic elements configured to convert light to electrical energy; a plurality of electrical charge storage elements, and a light reflector element configured to reflect a light beam toward one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic elements. Each electrical charge storage element may be coupled with at least of one of the plurality of photovoltaic elements and configured to store electrical energy output from the at least one of the plurality of photovoltaic elements. In some aspects a set of the plurality of photovoltaic elements may be configured in a tilted manner. In other aspects the light reflector element may be steerable to reflect a light beam toward one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic elements to provide a desired time-averaged light intensity distribution.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2022Publication date: August 4, 2022Inventors: Raymond Hoheisel, Andreas Heller
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Patent number: 11275046Abstract: A humidity meter includes a humidity sensor, a heating device oriented towards the humidity sensor, a signal generator capable of modulating a power output of the heating device, and a lock-in amplifier capable of demodulating a response signal of the humidity sensor as induced by the modulated heating device. A method of measuring humidity includes the steps of providing a humidity sensor positioned along a channel, a heating device positioned opposite the humidity sensor along the channel, and a controller including a signal generator and a lock-in amplifier; providing an airflow along the channel; modulating a power supply to the heating device using the signal generator; and demodulating a response signal of the humidity sensor induced by the modulated heating device.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2020Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Inventor: Raymond Hoheisel
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Publication number: 20210010965Abstract: A humidity meter includes a humidity sensor, a heating device oriented towards the humidity sensor, a signal generator capable of modulating a power output of the heating device, and a lock-in amplifier capable of demodulating a response signal of the humidity sensor as induced by the modulated heating device. A method of measuring humidity includes the steps of providing a humidity sensor positioned along a channel, a heating device positioned opposite the humidity sensor along the channel, and a controller including a signal generator and a lock-in amplifier; providing an airflow along the channel; modulating a power supply to the heating device using the signal generator; and demodulating a response signal of the humidity sensor induced by the modulated heating device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2020Publication date: January 14, 2021Inventor: Raymond Hoheisel
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Patent number: 10852188Abstract: A spectral radiometer system, measures incoming light intensity and spectral distribution in different wavelength-bands. An additional data storage device allows recording of the measured data. The inclusive sensor system yields very high sensitivity to incoming light. Furthermore, outstanding linearity of the detector response over several orders of magnitude of incoming light is achieved. Additional benefits are ultra low power consumption and minimum size. The sensor system can be used in remote solar radiation monitoring applications like mobile solar power units as well as in long-term environmental monitoring systems where high precision and low power consumption is a necessity.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2018Date of Patent: December 1, 2020Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Phillip Jenkins, Robert J. Walters, Raymond Hoheisel, David Scheiman, Justin Lorentzen
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Patent number: 10816498Abstract: A humidity meter includes a humidity sensor, a heating device oriented towards the humidity sensor, a signal generator capable of modulating a power output of the heating device, and a lock-in amplifier capable of demodulating a response signal of the humidity sensor as induced by the modulated heating device. A method of measuring humidity includes the steps of providing a humidity sensor positioned along a channel, a heating device positioned opposite the humidity sensor along the channel, and a controller including a signal generator and a lock-in amplifier; providing an airflow along the channel; modulating a power supply to the heating device using the signal generator; and demodulating a response signal of the humidity sensor induced by the modulated heating device.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2018Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Inventor: Raymond Hoheisel
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Publication number: 20200303576Abstract: An integrated device comprising at least one photovoltaic element, at least one light modulating element, at least one light reflecting element and one or more electrical conductors coupled to the photovoltaic element and the light modulating element is disclosed herein, with methods for using the same. An interrogating light beam can be pointed at the integrated device, and a modulated light beam is reflected back by the device in the direction of the interrogating light beam with the reflected light beam containing information/data being modulated by the device onto the reflected light beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2020Publication date: September 24, 2020Inventor: Raymond Hoheisel
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Patent number: 10759535Abstract: Aspects described herein relate to an apparatus, system, and method for the airborne launch of inflatable, lighter-than-air devices from aircraft. In some instances, a container comprising a drag parachute and a main parachute assembly may be deployed from an aircraft. Drag forces on the container may cause the drag parachute to be expelled from the container. Drag forces on the drag parachute may cause the main parachute assembly to be expelled from the container. The main parachute assembly may include a canopy with an opening and a release channel connecting the opening with the container. The container may further include a balloon inflation mechanism, which may be used to inflate one or more balloon envelopes. The one or more balloon envelopes, after being inflated, may be configured to be released from the container, traverse the release channel, and exit the main parachute assembly through the opening.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2017Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Inventor: Raymond Hoheisel
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Publication number: 20190377202Abstract: An integrated device comprising at least one photovoltaic element, at least one light modulating element, at least one light reflecting element and one or more electrical conductors coupled to the photovoltaic element and the light modulating element. An interrogating light beam can be pointed at the integrated device, and a modulated light beam is reflected back by the device in the direction of the interrogating light beam with the reflected light beam containing information/data being modulated by the device onto the reflected light beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2019Publication date: December 12, 2019Inventor: Raymond Hoheisel
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Patent number: 10479501Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining and stabilizing the position and orientation of a payload attached to a high-altitude balloon are provided. A payload may be attached to a powered gimbal. The powered gimbal may be configured to orient and position the payload in a plurality of directions corresponding to a first, second, and third rotational axis of the balloon-mounted payload system. After the payload is positioned by the powered gimbal, the position and orientation of the payload may be maintained and stabilized by one or more rotational stabilization devices. The stabilization by the one or more rotational stabilization devices can occur along any one, or combination of, the first, second, and third rotational axes.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2017Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Inventors: Raymond Hoheisel, Justin Lorentzen
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Patent number: 10371713Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for measuring the velocity and direction of a fluid flow. In some instances, a measuring system may include a housing capable of holding one or more pressure sensors in a desired location and orientation. The housing may include a cavity for each of the one or more pressure sensors and each cavity may have a connection to an opening at the outside surface of housing. Each opening may be able to face in any desired direction such that the pressure at any desired location on the outside surface of housing, which may be capable of facing in any desired direction, may extend to the cavity inside housing where it can be measured by a pressure sensor. The velocity and the direction of a fluid flow around the housing of the measurement system may be based on pressure readings generated by the pressure sensors.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: MRP Properties LLCInventor: Raymond Hoheisel
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Publication number: 20180348157Abstract: A humidity meter includes a humidity sensor, a heating device oriented towards the humidity sensor, a signal generator capable of modulating a power output of the heating device, and a lock-in amplifier capable of demodulating a response signal of the humidity sensor as induced by the modulated heating device. A method of measuring humidity includes the steps of providing a humidity sensor positioned along a channel, a heating device positioned opposite the humidity sensor along the channel, and a controller including a signal generator and a lock-in amplifier; providing an airflow along the channel; modulating a power supply to the heating device using the signal generator; and demodulating a response signal of the humidity sensor induced by the modulated heating device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventor: Raymond Hoheisel
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Publication number: 20180231417Abstract: A spectral radiometer system, measures incoming light intensity and spectral distribution in different wavelength-bands. An additional data storage device allows recording of the measured data. The inclusive sensor system yields very high sensitivity to incoming light. Furthermore, outstanding linearity of the detector response over several orders of magnitude of incoming light is achieved. Additional benefits are ultra low power consumption and minimum size. The sensor system can be used in remote solar radiation monitoring applications like mobile solar power units as well as in long-term environmental monitoring systems where high precision and low power consumption is a necessity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2018Publication date: August 16, 2018Inventors: Phillip Jenkins, Robert J. Walters, Raymond Hoheisel, David Scheiman, Justin Lorentzen
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Publication number: 20180194467Abstract: Systems and methods for maintaining and stabilizing the position and orientation of a payload attached to a high-altitude balloon are provided. A payload may be attached to a powered gimbal. The powered gimbal may be configured to orient and position the payload in a plurality of directions corresponding to a first, second, and third rotational axis of the balloon-mounted payload system. After the payload is positioned by the powered gimbal, the position and orientation of the payload may be maintained and stabilized by one or more rotational stabilization devices. The stabilization by the one or more rotational stabilization devices can occur along any one, or combination of, the first, second, and third rotational axes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2017Publication date: July 12, 2018Inventors: Raymond Hoheisel, Justin Lorentzen
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Patent number: 9945722Abstract: A spectral radiometer system, measures incoming light intensity and spectral distribution in different wavelength-bands. An additional data storage device allows recording of the measured data. The inclusive sensor system yields very high sensitivity to incoming light. Furthermore, outstanding linearity of the detector response over several orders of magnitude of incoming light is achieved. Additional benefits are ultra low power consumption and minimum size. The sensor system can be used in remote solar radiation monitoring applications like mobile solar power units as well as in long-term environmental monitoring systems where high precision and low power consumption is a necessity.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Raymond Hoheisel, David A. Scheiman, Justin R. Lorentzen, Phillip P. Jenkins, Robert J. Walters
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Publication number: 20170355462Abstract: Aspects described herein relate to an apparatus, system, and method for the airborne launch of inflatable, lighter-than-air devices from aircraft. In some instances, a container comprising a drag parachute and a main parachute assembly may be deployed from an aircraft. Drag forces on the container may cause the drag parachute to be expelled from the container. Drag forces on the drag parachute may cause the main parachute assembly to be expelled from the container. The main parachute assembly may include a canopy with an opening and a release channel connecting the opening with the container. The container may further include a balloon inflation mechanism, which may be used to inflate one or more balloon envelopes. The one or more balloon envelopes, after being inflated, may be configured to be released from the container, traverse the release channel, and exit the main parachute assembly through the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2017Publication date: December 14, 2017Inventor: Raymond Hoheisel